Bars & nightlife in Krabi

Although Krabi is not a full-on party place, there are nonetheless pockets of nightlife that could live up to the standards of the “sun and fun” crowd. Forget large clubs, however: the only dancing you will be doing is on the beach – or on a table.

Ao Nang beach is the main party place for tourists on holiday here. Bars are concentrated along the main beach road, in noisy ‘plazas’ like the recently revamped Center Point; the “Bamboo” soi slightly out of town past McDonald’s; and Luna Bar on Nopparat Thara Beach, though there are also stand alone places like the Irish Rover pub, or Full Moon Bar – these are better if you like to hold a conversation at normal volume. For a more sophisticated evening, visit the excellent Last Fisherman Bar, at the far end of Soi 17 on the beachfront, or The Hilltop, up behind Alis Hotel, with its spectacular views over Nopparat Thara Bay.

Krabi Town offers a more local nightlife experience with endless karaoke bars and a few ‘nightclubs’ playing loud Thai pop music, often with a stage show. It’s definitely an interesting experience for the few foreigners who venture inside. Good live music pubs – playing a mix of Thai and western covers – include Kwan Fang and Room 69. There are also a few small bars designed more for a western clientele, mainly concentrated along the backpacker strip of Chao Fah Rd in town: check out the expat-run Rooftop Bar for cocktails with a view, or Chilling Bar, another expat favourite.

Railay and Ton Sai beaches, despite being fairly isolated, offer some of the most lively nightlife in Krabi for the young – and young at heart – crowd. Ton Sai beach hosts regular all-night beach parties for the full moon and new moon during high season and Railay is well known for its wild parties in the east side bars.

Drinks generally are the same price or cheaper than in the West: around 80 baht for a small bottle of beer and 160 baht for a basic cocktail. As mentioned, there are no (legal) after hours nightclubs or big places to dance in Ao Nang.

Entertainment in the form of live music is also on offer in Ao Nang at various hotels and bars during high season. Sports fans can relax: you won’t miss a single Premiership match or Grand Prix, as most bars will show them live.

Those in search of a quiet life will find it in Klong Muang (no nightlife to speak of, other than the relaxed Paddy’s Irish Pub), as well as in certain corners of Ao Nang and Railay, where it is still possible simply to sit on the beach and watch the stars.

Related reading

• Solo travellers to Krabi

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Last updated: July 26, 2012